Postes à Montpellier, France

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Research Associate to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

About CIP

CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on potatoes, sweet potatoes, Andean root and tuber crops, and sustainable management of natural resources. CIP’s vision is to contribute from its areas of expertise to the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly those related to poverty, hunger, child and maternal mortality, and sustainable development. CIP has its headquarters in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. CIP is a member of One CGIAR, a global research partnership dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis, involving 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances and numerous partners including research institutes, civil society, academia, development organizations, and the private sector.

About the role

The selected candidate will be part of the Biotech team under the supervision of the Associate Scientist-Molecular Biologist.

Key Responsibilities:

• Optimize protoplast isolation and regeneration protocols for efficient production of genome-edited potato plants.
• Gene construct development and validation.
• Develop transient expression vectors producing CAS9 and gRNA, perform RNP transfection, and virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) to achieve foreign-DNA-free edited events.
• Perform molecular characterization of transgenic and genome-edited events using PCR, RT-qPCR, Southern blot, sequencing, and bioinformatics.
• Conduct phenotyping through artificial infection of plants using local pathogen strains in the biosafety glasshouse.
• Manage heavy intermittent workloads that may extend beyond office hours and weekends.
• Perform any other duties assigned.

What are we looking for?

• Master’s degree in agricultural biotechnology, biology, biochemistry, or plant pathology with strong molecular biology skills.
• At least four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Excellent knowledge of molecular biology, genome editing, genetic transformation, and plant tissue culture, preferably with roots, tubers, or banana crops.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Strong communication and networking skills; interest and demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.